Performance Measurement

What did your organization or program do?

The Food Cycle Coalition (FCC) organized and hosted with UVM Extension an Act 148 webinar connecting members with researchers. The webinar informed academic researchers in Vermont and in neighboring states about Act 148 and the research needs that have already been identified. 52 people registered for the webinar.

Conducted an Asset Mapping Survey to identify organizational assets across the network of organizations within the FCC or closely connected to FCC members. In doing so, the FCC identified the capacity of organizations to contribute to Act 148 implementation for each part of the diversion hierarchy and determine relative strengths and weaknesses. 28 organizations participated in the asset mapping survey.

Informed by the Asset Mapping Survey, held a day long stakeholder strategic planning session in order to identify and prioritize key strategies and next steps. 29 people participated in the strategic planning session, (25 excluding FCC chair and VSJF staff).

How well did your organization or program do it?

58% (30/52) of webinar participants completed a follow-up survey expressing an interest in conducting or collaborating on Act 148 related research. 21 stated having an interest in organics research, 9 in food rescue.

Of the 25 participants (number excludes VSJF staff and FCC chair), 76% (19/25) filled out evaluations. 100% of evaluations reported getting something useful out of the session, 74% of evaluations noted the high quality of the session, and zero evaluations expressed explicit disappointment with the session.

Is Vermont better off as a result

After the Act 148 webinar the Agency of Natural Resources received inquiries about whether or not they had any internship opportunitites available related to Act 148 implementation. Based on questions and research needs expressed during the webinar relating to food rescue, ANR decided to partner with UVM and provide a paid internship opportunity focused on food rescue. The intern, with help from the Vermont Foodbank, is determining the capacity of Foodbank network partners and other food rescue entities and assisting the improvement of communication between food rescue locations.

Both the Asset Mapping Project and the strategic planning session are now advancing discussions in the FCC about what strategies to implement and where to focus member resources. The strategic planning session helped to strengthen relationships between food system stakeholders and solid waste districts, and many SWD participants reported having a better understanding of how food system stakeholders view Act 148 and what they can do to assist in implemenation--particularly around food rescue.